Mitral Regurgitation

Definition

The flow of blood pumped by the heart is controlled by one-way valves. These valves assure that blood moves in only one direction. When the heart's mitral valve leaks blood into the upper chamber from the lower chamber, it is called mitral regurgitation.

If the amount of blood that leaks is severe, mitral regurgitation can be serious. The sooner it is treated, the better the outcome.

Exposure to certain drugs such as lithium, sulfonamides,
chemotherapy, and phenothiazines

Symptoms

The speed with which symptoms progress closely follows the cause of mitral disease. Acute diseases cause rapid decline, while more chronic diseases lead to slower onset of symptoms.

Mitral regurgitation may cause:

Chronic, progressive fatigue

Shortness of breath, especially with exertion

Worsening shortness of breath when you lie down

New, associated palpitations or racing heart rate, which may suggest the development of a
heart arrhythmia

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Leaking heart valves usually make sounds called murmurs that can be heard through a stethoscope. You will likely be referred to a cardiologist.

Imaging tests evaluate the heart and surrounding structures. These can be done with:

Treatment

Treatment options depend on the severity and history of the valve leakage and its effects on the heart’s size and function. Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include the following:

Treat Underlying Disease

Correcting the underlying problem may help the mitral valve function. The treatment depends on the symptoms. In chronic and slowly progressive mitral regurgitation, medications may help reverse effects on the heart’s size. Ultimately, surgery will likely be needed. In acute and rapidly declining disease, the benefit of medications is limited to short term stabilization until emergency surgery occurs.

Surgery

There are several open heart surgical procedures that can fix leaking valves. The type chosen will depend on the valve and the expert recommendation of the surgeon. The valve may be repaired, if it is an option, or it will be replaced.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.